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I have been reading a bit the last few days about the many companies which are offering online storage solutions to individuals. Many of them are offering unlimited storage space on the Internet for free. Though it is very generous of the companies to offer this, I can’t comprehend how any individual could greatly benefit from such a service. Am I missing something? I would love to make use of these services if it could offer me something that I don’t currently have.

My home computer setup lets me have access to ALL of my files, from anywhere with an Internet connection, all using basic Windows/MAC/Linux features.

I can use Remote Desktop to open or edit any files I have on my home computer, on whichever computer I am using.

I have mapped network drives so that I can access and download any files I need locally.

I have an FTP server setup which I never use, because using the mapped network drive is quicker and easier.

This was very easy to setup and can be done in less than an hour. It is always available to me because my home computer is always on. I have a decent Internet connection at home, so the speed is fairly fast.

The only advantage I have seen to online storage at this stage is that I will be able to turn my computer off and still access my files if I am out and about. What could an online storage solution give me that I don’t already have?